The Government of Bangladesh has proposed a budget allocation of BDT 1,884 crore for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism for the fiscal year 2026-27, according to The Bangladesh Monitor on October 7, 2026. This figure exceeds the previous fiscal year’s revised allocation of BDT 1,300 crore but is below its original allocation of BDT 2,455 crore. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the budget in Parliament with a focus on infrastructure upgrades, fleet expansion, and improved national connectivity.
Airport Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
Expansion projects are currently underway at Jashore and Saidpur airports. The Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in
Dhaka is scheduled to begin full operations imminently. Runway capacity enhancements are planned for Sylhet and Chattogram airports, while upgrades at Cox’s Bazar Airport are nearing completion. Digital improvements at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport include expanded Wi-Fi coverage encompassing a large passenger area to enhance traveler experience.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Fleet Expansion
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing for 14 aircraft, valued at approximately USD 3.7 billion (around BDT 45,408 crore). This acquisition is intended to strengthen the airline’s international passenger and cargo operations, enhancing Bangladesh’s air connectivity on a global scale.
Government Initiatives to Modernize Aviation and Promote Tourism
The government is implementing coordinated development plans to
modernize the aviation sector and align it with international standards. This includes establishing a national air connectivity network and developing Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet airports into integrated passenger and logistics hubs. Regional airports at Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore, and Saidpur are also targeted for upgrades to international status.
A tourism investment strategy is in development, aiming to attract more foreign visitors, increase private sector involvement, and create employment opportunities. Concurrent efforts involve enhancing safety systems, modernizing passenger and cargo services, and introducing digital solutions to improve operational efficiency across the aviation sector.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury expressed confidence
that these initiatives will increase the tourism sector’s GDP contribution to between 6% and 7% in the next few years, positioning Bangladesh as a regional hub for air travel and tourism.
